Rules of the Road summary

Learning the Ropes

In Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer, we meet Jenna Boller, a sixteen-year-old girl who works at Gladstone's Shoes. Jenna is a tall, awkward teenager who is often teased by her peers. Despite her personal struggles, Jenna is an exceptional salesperson, and her talent is recognized by the company's president, Mrs. Gladstone.

When Mrs. Gladstone asks Jenna to accompany her on a cross-country trip, Jenna is thrilled. However, she soon learns that the trip is not a vacation but a mission to prevent Mrs. Gladstone's son, Elden, from taking over the company and turning it into a discount chain. Jenna is tasked with learning everything she can about the company's stores and employees to help Mrs. Gladstone build a case against her son.

Life Lessons on the Road

As Jenna and Mrs. Gladstone embark on their journey, they form an unlikely bond. Mrs. Gladstone, a tough and no-nonsense businesswoman, begins to open up to Jenna, sharing her own struggles and experiences. Jenna, in turn, learns valuable life lessons from Mrs. Gladstone, who becomes a mentor and a friend.

During their travels, Jenna also encounters various people and situations that challenge her perspective on life. She meets a young girl who is a victim of domestic abuse, a woman struggling with alcoholism, and a man who has lost everything due to his gambling addiction. These encounters help Jenna understand that everyone has their own battles and that empathy and understanding are crucial in dealing with others.

Standing Up for What's Right

As Jenna and Mrs. Gladstone continue their journey, Jenna becomes more aware of the unethical practices within the company. She witnesses how Elden's cost-cutting measures are negatively impacting the employees and the quality of the products. Jenna realizes that she must stand up for what is right, even if it means going against Mrs. Gladstone's wishes.

When they finally reach their destination, Jenna confronts Elden and presents her case against him. Despite the risk of losing her job, Jenna stands her ground, advocating for the employees and the company's integrity. Mrs. Gladstone, impressed by Jenna's courage and integrity, decides to take action against her son and make changes within the company.

Embracing Self-Acceptance

By the end of the journey, Jenna has undergone a significant transformation. She has learned to embrace her height and her unique qualities, gaining confidence in herself. She has also developed a deeper understanding of the world and the people around her, realizing that everyone has their own struggles and stories.

In Rules of the Road, Joan Bauer beautifully portrays Jenna's journey of self-discovery and growth. Through her experiences, Jenna learns the importance of standing up for what is right, embracing self-acceptance, and the value of empathy and understanding. The novel ends with Jenna returning to Gladstone's Shoes, ready to face the challenges ahead with a newfound sense of confidence and purpose.